Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge opened up their regular season Tuesday night with a 54-33 win over Nogales at home.

Both teams played in preseason tournaments with the Nighthawks (4-3) playing even at the at the Tempe Marcos de Niza Lady Padres Tip-Off Classic and the Apaches (3-3) coming out ahead at the Boyd Baker Invite held at Tucson Sahuaro.

Nogales led early but freshman Natalie Bartle hit a shot at the buzzer to give Ironwood Ridge a 14-11 lead after the first quarter. Bartle was a top-25 prospect at her last showcase and figures to be one of the top freshmen in Southern Arizona this year.

But the Nighthawks also have nine seniors on their team including point guard Piper Mali. Mali scored 11 points to help Ironwood Ridge slowly pull away from Nogales from a 28-15 lead at the half to a 54-33 final.

"I want to be there for my teammates," said Mali. "We play together well as a team and I want to help get us as far as we can by helping the younger players improve and keep the mentality of winning."

Junior Lexy Ram led all scorers with 13 points. She has been a major force for coach Nikki Simpson since her freshman season. Seniors Lanea Tuiasosopo and Alyssa Madlangbayan added eight points each.

Eliza Lopez coached the Apaches to 20 wins last year but barely missed out on a spot in the state playoffs. Senior Jessica Gradillas and junior Czarina Lorta look to be key components to a run to the playoffs this year.

Gradillas led with 10 points and Lorta added eight. Junior Jacqueline Romero finished with six.

The team lacks size but they have a great outside game that will develop even more as the season progresses.

Nogales will be playing in the Flowing Wells Holiday Shootout over the winter break and Ironwood Ridge will take part in the Northwest Desert Classic held at both Canyon del Oro and Pusch Ridge.